The most greatest achievement of my life was when I trekked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I accomplished this amazing goal through blood, sweat and tears but the reward at the end made it all worth it! If this is something you have on your bucket-list and want more detail on what to expect then keep reading. This is my personal recount of my experience trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with some useful information I picked up along the way.
Some Background Info on the Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
First of all, let me give you a little info & history about the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is a hiking trail in Peru that ends at Machu Picchu. There are 3 different trails, however the most common route used is the ‘Classic’ trail. This trail is normally completed in 4-5 days and you will find yourself pass through several types of Andean environments such as cloud forests and alpine tundra (a type of natural region that does not contain trees because it is at high elevation). This trail also ascends to beyond 4200 metres (13,800ft) above sea level as you trek through “Dead Woman’s Pass”, the highest point of the entire trek.
The end of your journey on the Inca Trail brings you to Machu Picchu, an ancient citadel set high in the Andes Mountains in Peru. (Elevation: 2,430m) The Incas built this fortress around 1450 but abandoned it around a century later during the Spanish Conquest. It’s not really known why this beautiful fortress was built however there are many different theories. Although the locals knew about it, it was unknown to the outside world for centuries until American historian, Hiram Bingham, brought to international attention in 1911.
Note: I hiked the Inca Trail in 2011 with Gap Adventures. You should book your guide or tour MONTHS in advance as only 500 people are allowed on the trail daily, so space is limited.
My journey to Machu Picchu actually starts a little further back from the Inca Trail in Cusco. You can read more about it here.
Here’s a breakdown of each day on the Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu…
It took us four days of trekking the Inca Trail to finally reach Machu Picchu. It was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life!
Note: I took MANY photos and videos during my hike, however the lack of photos showcasing my hike is due to the unfortunate luck of having my one of my cameras stolen from my suitcase when I flew back out of Peru.
Day 1- This is easy!!
The night before after having a nice hot shower and getting comfortable in bed I called my parents and my sisters. The nerves were kicking in as the reality of what I was about to do started to sink in and I felt the need to tell my family that I loved them.. how dramatic!
Early in the morning we rose and departed from Ollantaytambo by van to KM 82 where the Inca Trail begins. The short ride was in an eerie silence, maybe because it was so early in the morning or maybe because we were all starting to get really nervous for the adventure ahead. When we reached the start of the Inca Trail we were introduced to our Porters, given our hiking sticks and then took our group photo in front of the sign at the start of the trail.
In case you didn’t know: With G Adventures, a crew of local porters, cooks, and guides will take care of all the details for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear so you’ll only need to carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc.
Easing into the adventure was a straight simple day of hiking along the winding streams, past stunning Andean scenery, amazing ancient Incan ruin and incredible mountain views. I remember one part where we had to hike up a fairly moderate incline. I groaned and our guide started laughing… this ‘small’ hill was nothing to complain about. It was just a taste of what’s to come!
Day 1 was a complete success!
Day 2- The tears start…
9 years on and I still get emotional when I reminisce on my time during days 2 & 3 on the Inca Trail. With a 5am wake up call, and some coca leaf tea to start the day, we started our journey to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca AKA Dead Woman’s Pass.
In case you didn’t know: Coca leaves, in their natural state, are a traditional part of everyday life for Peruvians. Chewing or brewing the leaves helps to reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness which include nausea, breathlessness, insomnia, loss of appetite, fatigue and headache. And yes, they are the same plant used to make cocaine and no, drinking or chewing the tea leaves doesn’t get you high. (Damn)
Groaning and wishing I could magically make a helicopter appear to take me away, we trekked over progressively spectacular and steeper terrain. The day felt like it went forever, trekking hours upon hours of countless stairs and up steep hills. I actually came close, many times, to paying off a porter to carry me the rest of the way. They would literally run right past in their sandals, carrying 20 kilos on their back like it was nothing! Did I mention that I didn’t train for this trip? And I used to be a smoker? We’re talking about hours and hours here where I felt like I couldn’t fill up my lungs with a full breath of air and would get tired very quickly. Don’t worry though, this is completely normal and I have tips on how to reduce symptoms of altitude sickness here.
There was a long stretch, maybe about 2 hours, where we hiked a steep incline along a cliff edge where you could look down and see your impending death should you accidentally slip and fall. At times, we would even walk through actual clouds. Having a fear of heights it was a surreal and rewarding feeling to get through this part of the journey knowing I could only keep moving forward.
Finally, we made it to “Dead Woman’s Pass”, the highest peak of the journey at 4,200m (13,800ft) above sea level! Extremely freezing temperatures and slanting rain motivated me to keep moving past and when I reached the top, I was finally given some good news… it was time to go DOWN. Happy and excited I started making my way down the mountain quickly, not getting too far before I slipped and started sliding down the muddy hill on my butt.
Reaching campsite for Day 2, I crawled inside my tent and cried crying silently for hours feeling sorry for myself.
Day 3- I can’t do this anymore… Yes I can!
Eat, sleep, hike, repeat. Another 5am wake up call and some more coca leaf tea to help boost my energy (and my mood) we continued along the Inca Trail crossing two more passes and more ruins. At this point of the journey we are still hiking at around 3600m (11,811ft) above sea level and have a total of 16km (10 miles) to cover, trekking up and down the Andean Mountains. This day is long and by now my kneecaps feel like they’re going to fall off. After much continuous encouragement from my tour guide we finally reached our campsite for the night, Phuyupatamarca, “the city in the clouds”.
After some more crying, I eventually crawled out of my tent to take in what was to be the final night of having no warm bed and hot shower! The anticipation of the end of the journey and the first sight of Machu Picchu had me in much higher spirits then the night before. As I stood on the cliff-side, I remember gazing out and seeing a cloud blow straight past me. As the view cleared I gasped in pure amazement at the stars in front of me. I felt like I could reach out and touch them, they looked so close. This time when I shed a tear, it was in happiness as I felt so lucky to have experienced something as amazing as this.
Day 4- We made it to Machu Picchu!
Let me start off here by saying… I completed the Inca Trail!!
A 3.30am wake up call (Yes, that’s right) in the pitch black of the night with only torches to guide our way, we were once again on the trail to Machu Picchu. My tour guide was a little bit cheeky and had actually tricked me into thinking we were only doing a ‘short’ hike this morning. Yeah, short meaning another 2 hours! I think I asked him 3 times “Are we there yet?” until it sank in that I had been fooled. We reached the Sun Gate which is the first place you can see Machu Picchu on the trail. I don’t remember seeing Machu Picchu from here as unfortunately it was a morning of heavy mist. My fingers were crossed that we weren’t going to be disappointed with a cloud of mist when we got down there.
Another hour hike down the hill and I finally reached the final destination; Machu Picchu!
This amazing fortress is unlike anything you will ever see. It’s amazing, it’s incredible and it’s indescribable!
Have you ever done a trek that was extremely challenging yet rewarding? How was your experience and where was it? Let me know in the comments below!
Read More: 6 Things You Should Know to Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Read More: Visiting Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley
Such an amazing place, a true wonder.
[…] Read More: How to Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu […]
[…] For some it may be the most physically challenging hike you’ve ever done. You do not need to be a vastly experienced hiker, but acquiring a good level of physical fitness prior to arriving in Peru will make everything easier and more enjoyable. If you’re reading this and don’t fit the description of someone who does a lot of exercise or could do with losing a few lbs – then don’t be too despondent. Instead, view the Inca Trail as your challenge, your motivation, and your deadline to start walking more, to lose some weight, and to make some positive changes before you fly to Peru (and if you need some inspiration, read my recount of the trekking the Inca Trail. […]
[…] How to Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu […]